Despite experiencing pain, Gordon was told he would not require surgery during a visit to a Chicago doctor on Thursday.

"The doctor could tell I was going through a lot of pain," Gordon said. "But I know I can strengthen it during the four- to six-week time period and return. This was a big break. I've been dealing with this injury for a year. To hear that news was good to me because I thought it would be possibly worse."

Gordon underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Feb. 14 and played in just nine games of the 2011-12 lockout-shortened season. During the offseason, the Hornets matched a five-year, $58 million contract offer sheet he signed with the Phoenix Suns.
He reported soreness in the knee after volunteer workouts with Hornets teammates, then missed the team's training camp and preseason games.

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